Korean cuisine is popular all over the world, but did you know that a lot of the recipes are quite healthy, too?
Korean food is full of protein and vegetables, and most dishes are low in calories and full of fiber. What makes Korean food even better is the fact that the recipes are also incredibly delicious.
If you are looking for healthier food and want to expand your palette, then stick with us.
Bibimbap is one of the most well-known Korean dishes, and in simple terms, it is a type of rice bowl.
When translated, Bibimbap means ‘mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables’, and there are endless combinations you can make to bring this dish to life.
Bibimbap is the perfect dish to start with when you want something healthy but tasty. Experiment with different vegetable and meat combinations to create a nutritious and delicious dish.
Also known as Korean Soft Tofu Stew, this dish is as comforting as it is healthy.
Made using ingredients such as soft tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms, and covered in a rich and savory broth, Soondubu Jjigae is full of flavor and protein. You will feel refreshed and energized after every bite.
Serve with Kimchi if you want your Soondubu Jjigae to have an extra kick.
Having a kimchi recipe on standby is essential if you enjoy Korean food.
It is a staple in the Korean diet and is often included in most dishes in this part of the world.
You can use store-bought kimchi if you don’t have much time, but we recommend making your own whenever you can.
What makes this recipe so special is its gut-boosting properties. So you can enjoy it, knowing it’s both delicious and great for your tummy health.
Add this kimchi – made from napa cabbage – to any dishes that call for it, and enjoy the healthy, tangy goodness!
Healthy Korean Vegetable Recipes
When you think of ‘healthy’, your mind probably jumps straight to vegetables, which are a star ingredient in Korean cuisine.
From hearty stews to delicious kimchi-based dishes, we have included a fantastic selection of vegetable recipes here for you to make at home for yourself.
Broccoli is a superfood, and it can be found in lots of Korean dishes.
This stir-fry combines broccoli with tender beef, and mushrooms of your choice, to create a quick and easy stir-fry that is full of protein and nutrition.
Aromatic and low in calories, this stir-fry comes together in 30 minutes and it is the perfect low-calorie meal you can enjoy on busy week-nights.
Kimchi is usually made with fermented Napa cabbage, but this recipe is a little more unique because it uses cucumber.
Regular kimchi is fantastic, but this recipe is unique and easy to make, bringing together healthy ingredients such as carrots, garlic, and sea salt to create a dish you won’t be able to get enough of.
If you prefer spicy kimchi, this crunchy cucumber variation can be mixed together with goghujang for some added heat.
Whether you are in the mood for some fluffy rice cakes or quick and easy stir-fried rice, the selection we have included for you here will satisfy your healthy cravings.
Below, you will find our favorite healthy Korean rice recipes- keep reading to find your next favorite meal.
Pork is a popular ingredient in Korean cuisine, and when it’s paired with the right ingredients, it makes for a nutritious meal.
This particular recipe pairs pork and kimchi with delicious fried rice to create a recipe that comes together in minutes. Some of the other ingredients included in this dish are zucchini, carrots, and gochujang.
If you aren’t a big fan of spicy food, simply serve without the gochujang paste.
Known more simply as Multigrain rice, Japgokbap is often purple in color and is made by combining rice, legumes, and grains.
These ingredients make the whole recipe super healthy and full of protein and nutrition. Japgokbap is usually used as a base in other dishes, so keep this recipe on hand if you want something healthy for dinner.
You can experiment with the legumes and grains used to make sure the dish suits your tastes.
Serve with your favorite meat or fish for extra protein.
Healthy Korean Soup Recipes
Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and in Korea, it’s a popular dish.
Whether you are in the mood for something seafood or meat-based, lots of Korean soup dishes are super healthy, and they all taste nutritious and delicious.
Below, we have included some of the best healthy Korean soup recipes for you to try at home.
Known more simply as Seaweed Soup with Tofu, Tofu Miyeok-Guk is the meatless variation of Miyeok-Guk, which is usually made with beef.
Regardless which version you try, Miyeok-Guk will always feature seaweed as a star ingredient, and the results are a light and healthy dish which you can enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Other ingredients in this dish include silken tofu and enoki mushroom, which are then cooked in a delicate dashi broth.
The whole meal comes together in 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mid-week days.
Known more commonly as ‘soybean paste soup with spinach and clams’, Sigeumchi-jogae Doenjangguk is a type of fermented soybean paste soup that is paired with super healthy spinach and deliciously fresh clams.
If you are looking for a healthy Korean soup that is full of comfort, then you won’t be able to get enough of this recipe.
The broth alone is hot, savory, beefy, spicy, and earthy, and when you pair that with the briney clams and crunchy spinach, you are left with a healthy, hearty dish you will want again and again.
Conclusion
Most Korean dishes are quite healthy, and as you can see, they are absolutely delicious, too!
Whether you want rice, soups, vegetable dishes, or something popular, the recipes we have included on this list should satisfy your cravings.
Enjoy these healthy recipes completely guilt-free, and see which ones you enjoy the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Healthiest Korean Foods?
There are lots of healthy Korean foods. Some of the most well-known foods include fermented cabbage, seaweed, and rice rolls, bulgogi, soondubu jjigae, and Korean rice bowls (also known as bibimbap).
How Healthy Is Bibimbap?
Bibimbap is considered to be quite healthy by nature as a dish, and this is one of the reasons why it is so popular. It has a decent portion of vegetables, and protein (in the form of meat fish, egg, or tofu), and it is low in calories.
Is Korean Food Good For Dieting?
Generally, Korean food is good for dieting. The Korean diet is full of vegetables, fruit, protein, and fiber. Most Korean dishes are low in carbs and calories, too, which drastically helps if you are trying to lose weight.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
